Today, I’m honoured to share a guest post from Joe, a fellow writer whose heart for the Philippines runs deep.
Below, he shares from the perspective of someone who spent more than 13 years serving as a missionary there, long enough for the Filipino people to become family to him.
Hi guys! My name is Joe and for over 13 years I served as a missionary in the Philippines. In that time, the Filipino people became my home away from home. Their warmth, resilience, joy and generosity have left a permanent mark on my heart.
Over the past few months, the Philippines has once again been struck by a heartbreaking series of natural disasters and I simply wanted to pause to acknowledge their suffering and to pray for those who are hurting.
God, Have Mercy on the Philippines
This past month, the nation has faced multi-layered devastation: earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, landslides, and widespread displacement.
The weight of grief, loss, and uncertainty has been heavy.
A Nation Under Pressure
The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, is one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. Every year:
- Around 20 typhoons tear through the country
- It sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiencing 90% of the world’s earthquakes
- It contains roughly 400 volcanoes, 24 of which are active
In late September, a powerful earthquake shook the Visayas region, killing at least 79 people and injuring over 1,200. More than 159,000 homes were damaged and constant aftershocks forced thousands of families to sleep outside, many under tarps and umbrellas as rain soaked their few belongings.
This followed two major typhoons earlier in the month.
On November 3, Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino) swept through the same region with 120 mph winds, widespread flooding, and devastating landslides, affecting more than 2.2 million people.
Local responders described the disaster as “unprecedented.” Even the nation’s president declared a state of calamity. And yet, churches, ministries, neighbours and volunteers continue to serve in every way they can.
How We Can Help
Sometimes we feel small in the face of devastation… but prayer, compassion and generosity reach further than we realise.
Here are three simple ways we can stand with the Filipino people:
1. Pray
Pray for the Philippines and join believers worldwide in intercession.
2. Share
Spread awareness, on your blog, in messages, within your church community or on social media. Let’s help amplify the call to prayer.
3. Give
If you feel led, consider supporting trusted ministries like this one involved in relief and rebuilding efforts.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read, to pray and to stand with the Filipino people in their time of need. – Joe
Many Blessings, Grace. Xx
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